What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Holiday Weekend Recap
First Lady Jill Biden expressed gratitude and solidarity with military families at a holiday celebration in Fort Campbell, KY. on Saturday, December 23. She acknowledged the sacrifices and resilience of military families, highlighting their generosity in supporting each other during challenging times. Mrs. Biden recognized Major Quiros and others for their service. She thanked organizations such as the Armed Services YMCA, Toys for Tots, and Mission Barbeque for their contributions to the event. Referencing the recent hardships faced by the military community, she emphasized the importance of seeking and accepting help. The First Lady, representing a military family herself, conveyed the Bidens' support and appreciation for the service of military members and their families. She concluded by bringing a special guest, Santa, to lift the spirits of the attendees during the holiday season. Read more…
On Saturday, December 23rd, President Biden conversed by phone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. The focal points of their discussion included Israel's military activities in Gaza, encompassing its goals and progression. President Biden underscored the necessity of safeguarding the civilian populace, particularly those involved in humanitarian aid efforts, and stressed the significance of enabling civilians to relocate securely from areas affected by ongoing conflict. Additionally, the leaders deliberated on the crucial task of securing the release of any remaining hostages. They agreed to uphold regular communication directly and through their national security teams.
President Biden declared a major disaster in Utah, authorizing Federal assistance to augment state, tribal, and local recovery endeavors in regions impacted by flooding from May 1 to May 27, 2023.
Federal financial support is accessible for state, tribal, and qualifying local governments, along with specific private nonprofit organizations, with a cost-sharing arrangement for emergency interventions and restoring or substituting facilities affected by the flooding in Iron, Morgan, Sanpete, Utah, and Wasatch counties.
Furthermore, Federal funding, on a cost-sharing basis, is also accessible for statewide hazard mitigation measures.
Mr. Jon K. Huss, representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has been designated to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Subsequent designations may be made if requested by the state and justified by the outcomes of further damage assessments.
Before boarding Marine One departing from the South Lawn on December 23, 2023, President Biden answered a few questions from the press. He mentioned having a private conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu but did not disclose details. He expressed optimism about the economy, stating it's "all good" and urged accurate reporting. When asked about presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, he couldn't think of any president being immune. He clarified that he was not asking for a ceasefire request. Responding to a question about Africa, he emphasized collaboration for infrastructure development and growth, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Read his remarks.
President Biden, accompanied by his family—daughter Ashley Biden, son Hunter Biden, and grandson Beau Biden—has chosen Camp David for their Christmas holiday.
Meanwhile, First Lady Jill Biden joined the rest of the family on Saturday at Camp David after visiting military families in Fort Campbell, KY.
The President and First Lady spent part of their Christmas Day speaking with various military personnel as part of an annual holiday tradition.
The Bidens are scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday, with plans to celebrate the New Year's holiday in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The National Security Council Spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, issued a statement on U.S. military personnel being targeted by a one-way attack drone in northern Iraq. Three U.S. service members were wounded, with one in critical condition. Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, claimed responsibility. President Biden was briefed and ordered the Department of Defense to prepare response options. Strikes were directed against three locations associated with Kataib Hezbollah's unmanned aerial drone activities. The President emphasized the priority of protecting American personnel and warned of further U.S. action if such attacks persist.
The President and First Lady speaking with military personnel over the phone from Camp David
